In our Mentor and Mentee Features series, we highlight a mentor and mentee partnership from our LaunchMe program and learn why thy took part and what they gained from the process. This time we speak to Kate Gilsenan (Mentee) and Michele Richardson (Mentor) from our LaunchMe 2026 cohort.
Kate Gilsenan (Mentee)
Final year Finance student University College Cork
I am a final-year Finance student with a strong interest in developing both my technical and professional skillset. Alongside my studies, I have been actively involved in university societies and initiatives, which have helped me build strong communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
What excites me most about my future career is the opportunity to continuously learn, take on new challenges, and apply analytical thinking in a practical setting. I am particularly interested in exploring different areas within finance and business, and building a career where I can contribute meaningfully while continuing to grow.
Why did you join LaunchMe?
I joined LaunchMe to gain practical advice and to begin building a professional network, particularly since I didn’t have many existing connections in the finance industry or a corporate environment. I wanted the opportunity to learn from someone with real experience and better understand what to expect before starting a full-time role.
What has been your favourite part of the mentorship program?
My favourite part of the programme has been working with my mentor, Michele. She has helped me recognise that I have more skills than I initially realised and shown me how far a small boost in confidence can go. I’ve especially valued her ability to provide specific, tailored advice rather than general guidance that can often be found online.
Combined with her kind and supportive approach, this has made the experience both comfortable and incredibly impactful, and has helped me feel more confident and prepared for the next stage of my career.
What’s one goal where you’ve seen the most impact and what have you learned from your mentor?
One goal where I’ve seen the most impact has been developing my networking skills. Through my mentor’s guidance, I’ve gained more confidence in how to approach conversations and build professional relationships.
I was able to put this into practice by attending the 100 Women in Finance event in Dublin, “AI in Financial Services: From Potential to Practice.” This experience allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, engage with professionals, and apply what I had learned in a real setting.
From my mentor, I’ve learned the importance of being proactive and confident, as well as how small changes in approach can make networking feel much more natural and effective.
Michele Richardson (Mentor)
Executive Coach
I am a senior finance and business leader with extensive experience driving strategic transformation, operational excellence, and leadership development across complex financial services environments. My work is grounded in helping organisations align strategy with execution—improving performance, enabling change, and building high-performing teams.
What drives me in finance is the opportunity to combine strategic thinking with practical delivery: helping organisations navigate complexity, make better decisions, and create sustainable value through strong leadership, governance, and execution. Coaching and developing others is central to how I lead and how I create impact.
What drew you to mentor in LaunchMe and what’s been rewarding about the experience?
I was drawn to mentor in LaunchMe because I’m passionate about helping others realise their potential and navigate their career journey with greater confidence and clarity. Throughout my own career, I have benefited enormously from the support, challenge, and perspective of mentors, and I see mentoring as a powerful way to give that back.
What has been most rewarding is seeing mentees grow in confidence, broaden their thinking, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. Supporting someone as they gain clarity, overcome self-doubt, or step into new opportunities is incredibly fulfilling, and it reinforces my belief in the value of investing in people’s development.
How has the relationship inspired or influenced you and what is one thing you’ve learned from your mentee.
Working with my mentee has been genuinely energising. Their motivation, curiosity, and eagerness to learn have been both inspiring and refreshing. It has reminded me how powerful ambition and openness to development can be at the early stages of a career.
One of the key things I have learned from my mentee is the value of approaching challenges with fresh perspective and enthusiasm. Their willingness to ask thoughtful questions and challenge assumptions has reinforced for me that mentoring is always a two-way learning experience.
Any tips or encouragement for those entering the industry?
Be curious, stay open to learning, and don’t underestimate the value of building relationships early in your career. Technical skills matter, but so do adaptability, resilience, and the ability to work well with others.
My advice is to seek out opportunities beyond your immediate role, ask questions, and be proactive in understanding how the wider business operates. Confidence grows through experience, so don’t wait until you feel fully ready before stepping forward for new challenges.